It will bring together
not only political science professors from schools big, small and in-between,
but also a variety of politicians, media who cover politics and more.
The general public also is able to register for the event.

Calvin Professor
of political science, James Penning (above), President-Elect of the
Michigan Conference of Political Scientists, says the upcoming conference
should be a terrific one for both political junkies and even those with
a passing interest in politics.

"We've got
a really good line-up of people coming," says Penning. "Everyone
from (Grand Rapids Mayor-Elect) George Heartwell to Bill Ballenger (editor
of Inside Michigan Politics) to Mark Brewer (head of the Democratic
Party in Michigan)."

The conference
will begin on Thursday, October 16 with afternoon registration followed
by a variety of panel discussions on such things as "Teaching Political
Science" and "Governor Granholm's First Six Months."
There will be a 7 p.m. dinner followed by a keynote speech by Kurt Kimball,
Grand Rapids City Manager, on "City Budgeting in a Time of Fiscal
Stress."

On Friday, October
17 there will be numerous panel discussions plus lunch and a luncheon
address by Heartwell. Panels will cover such topics as "New Directions
in International Relations," "Politics and Non-Profit Organizations,"
"Michigan Elections: 2000 and Beyond," "Religion and
Politics," "The Middle East: Conflict and Consensus"
and "Media and Politics."

Cost for both days,
including Thursday's dinner and Friday's lunch, is just $30 for students
and $40 for non-students. People who can only attend one day can do
so for $15 for students and $20 for non-students.